High Avalanche Risk in the Scottish Mountains

Anyone thinking of heading out into the Scottish Hills should read the latest avalanche / weather forecast and plan their route accordingly. It is worth taking into account how slow progress is for those on foot - adjust your expectations.

Heather Morning - MCofS Mountain Safety Advisor

The Scottish mountains are experiencing unprecedented amounts of snowfall, more is expected over the following few days.

Ski touring conditions have been superb and many low level ice routes have been climbed for the first time in years. Other, normally popular climbing venues remain unvisited due to inaccessibility from the deep snow conditions.

These unique conditions also bring their dangers; highlighted by the tragic death of three climbers in avalanche incidents on the 30th December. The avalanche risk is currently high in many locations due to the volume of snow, continued cold conditions and unusually light winds. Currently in the Cairngorm region there is a massive build up of snow, major avalanche activity is expected and the avalanche run-outs will extend far out across the flat corrie floors.